Ongoing Erosion and Flood Damage in Khumbu Region Worsen as Thame River Flood Continues

The Thame River in Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality-5, Solukhumbu, remains in a state of crisis as ongoing erosion continues to devastate the coastal areas. Despite the water level receding after Friday’s sudden flood, the erosion in the Khumbu and Lower Solu regions persists, causing significant damage.

Police Inspector Laxman Giri of the District Police Office reported that the flood has already swept away 20 houses and lodges, a health post, and a school in Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality, Ward No. 5. The local power project’s powerhouse was completely destroyed, and 200 meters of the trekking route from Phakding to Namche Jame area have been washed away, further disrupting the region.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Dwarika Prasad Ghimire stated that both Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel have been deployed to carry out rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. So far, 93 individuals have been rescued from the flood-impacted regions and provided shelter in an army camp, while 42 people are taking refuge in a local community building. Additionally, five families from Mapyadudhkosi Rural Municipality-6 have been relocated by the police.

The floods also caused significant damage to the Mapya-Khumbu friendship bridge over the Dudhkosi River, which connects Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality and Mapyadudhkosi Rural Municipality. As a result, the direct road network from Saleri to Khumbu has been disrupted, complicating relief efforts.

Lamakaji Sherpa, Chairperson of the Everest Pollution Control Committee, suggested that the flood might be due to a glacial lake outburst in the Khumbu area. In response to the ongoing disaster, Chief District Officer Devi Pandey Khatri announced that a team from the Central Disaster Management Committee, accompanied by Defense Minister Manbir Rai, is scheduled to arrive today for an on-site inspection of the flood-affected areas.